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Coming home from a vacation is often a bit challenging. There is the dirty laundry to wash, there’s sand in your shoes, and you might have a bit of jet lag to deal with. However, what I felt today after returning from Barra de Navidad was challenging in a different way. I wandered through my house seeing abundance everywhere , yet where I had been, abundance was in short supply. As I took Sofus, my daughter’s dog, for a walk, I could not help but feel a bit overwhelmed at the injustice of it all.

All these hours later, I have yet to reconcile the disparity between the two. However, I think at the very least it is important to recognize the abundance and beauty in our midst, for too often we take it for granted. Perhaps we all need to spend some time living in poverty before we can really appreciate our many blessings.

My friend Leslie helped me out today by suggesting that I take time to assimilate back into my “normal” life and I really appreciated that advice. It was important to honor the break that we had from our routine and to acknowledge how lucky we were to be able to afford that luxury. Of course that would involve giving thanks… and the way I do that is with a pie.

Fortunately I had some key ingredients on hand to make a savory pie – fresh asparagus, cream, eggs, and roasted peppers. As I prepared the quiche, I let my mind wander until it settled on a fitting recipient – and today that person was Doreen. She is the Alumni Director at Southern Oregon University and has served in that position for about five years.

When Doreen came on board, she brought with her a wealth of experience and a seemingly endless supply of energy. She works tirelessly to build lasting relationships for the university and to orchestrate fabulous events throughout the year. At one time I thought I wanted to have her position, but I am very grateful that Doreen was the person selected. Like a trained dancer, she makes her work seem easy, but I know better. Doreen truly deserves to be recognized for her outstanding efforts.

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder

2 Responses to “Day 308: Doreen”

I sure don’t have the answer to why some have more and others less. It seems to be a fact that has been with humanity for a long, long time. Recently many have noted that the difference or gap between the “haves” and “have-nots” in the US, at least, has gotten as wide as it has ever been. And yet what you are noting is that what many who are comfortable in the US or even not very well off, are comparatively wealthy in terms of the majority of the world. A conundrum. And here is another: “Some are so poor all they have is money.” (seen on facebook) Something to ponder.